Bruins’ Turco fills in nicely

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Marty Turco spent all season waiting for an NHL team to give him a chance to make a comeback.

An injury to Tuukka Rask paved the way for the veteran goalie to not only return, but join the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

Turco made 19 saves and earned his second win since hooking up with Boston this month, and the Bruins eliminated the New York Islanders from playoff contention with a 6-3 victory on Saturday.

The 36-year-old Turco knows he is on borrowed time, because his late arrival precludes him from playing in the postseason. For now he is trying to do his best to help the Bruins down the stretch and give No. 1 goalie Tim Thomas some rest.

He might be a bit rusty after spending this season playing in Austria, but claims to be in good condition — even though he said so with a laugh.

“I’m in great shape, come on,” Turco said. “I have been in good shape all year, it’s just that no one called.

“I actually felt pretty good. I saw the puck real well.”

Brad Marchand snapped a third-period tie with his team-leading 27th goal, and the Bruins dispatched the Islanders with their sixth win in eight games (6-1-1).

“It’s about picking up your game at the right time,” Bruins Coach Claude Julien said. “We hope to peak when the playoffs are around. We’re trying to play our best hockey heading into the playoffs.”

The Bruins, who lead the Northeast Division, had plenty of support as a large throng of fans cheering “Let’s Go Bruins” throughout while decked out in black and gold jerseys filled the Nassau Coliseum and made up about half of the sellout crowd.

“Usually we have pretty good crowds on the road,” said captain Zdeno Chara, a former Islanders defenseman. “Fans can jump on a train or a short flight and probably get a better price on tickets than we get at home. It’s a nice way to spend a weekend.”

The Bruins will be sticking around New York, and will face the East-leading Rangers tonight in what could be a preview of the conference finals.

Tyler Seguin, who made the pass to set up Marchand’s goal 3:13 into the third, pushed Boston’s lead to 4-2 with 9:23 remaining and matched Marchand with his 27th. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci scored seconds apart later in the third to turn it into a rout.

Krejci had two goals, Chris Kelly also scored for Boston, and Turco won for the second time in four outings. Turco was last in the NHL last March with Chicago.

“You’re just elated to be back in the NHL, period,” Turco said. “The more time you spend apart from it, you realize how special and privileged you are to be in this league.

“Good things happen for reasons. Then you come here and you don’t just say, ‘Hey, I’m back boys. Let’s have a party.’ I’ve come here to work and do what I can to help this team.”

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